Technology
Finance teams struggle to shake off the "department of no" label, survey reveals CFO transformation dilemma
A survey released Wednesday by financial software provider Datarails shows that the vast majority of executives still view CFOs and their teams as the "department of no." Despite CFOs' efforts to transform into collaborative business partners, 97% of surveyed executives believe the finance department's main focus is limiting spending, and only 18% of respondents strongly agree that the finance department considers their strategic needs when making decisions.
Walmart Partners with OpenAI to Launch Custom AI Certification Program for Employees
Walmart has reached a partnership with OpenAI to develop a custom AI certification program for U.S. employees, with courses expected to launch in 2026. This initiative is part of Walmart's nearly $1 billion commitment to skills training, aimed at enhancing employees' AI application capabilities.
CFOs in the AI Era Need to Strengthen Data Interpretation Skills, Says AuditBoard CEO
As AI technology integrates into business operations, CFOs must address the significant risks posed by AI while pursuing efficiency gains. Raul Villar Jr., CEO of AuditBoard, emphasizes that data interpretation skills have become a core competency for CFOs, requiring careful selection of AI investment areas and ensuring data security and insight extraction.
Survey: Only 10% of Job Seekers Believe Recruiters Review Most Applications
A LiveCareer survey of 517 U.S. job seekers found that 64% believe their resumes can pass ATS screening, but only 10% think most applications will be viewed by recruiters; 57% have abandoned applications midway due to overly complex processes. Career experts advise job seekers to maintain confidence while urging employers to optimize processes and provide timely feedback.
Colorado Delays Artificial Intelligence Act, Triggering Industry Backlash
Colorado has postponed the effective date of its comprehensive artificial intelligence law from February 1, 2026, to June 30, with Governor Jared Polis signing the bill after lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on revisions during a special session. This move reflects the controversy surrounding state-level AI regulations and federal pressure.
AI Drives Skills Transformation in Finance Functions: Insights from insightsoftware Executive
Jennifer Warawa, General Manager of Financial Controls at insightsoftware, states that AI is driving a shift in the skills required for finance functions, accelerating the evolution of CFOs toward strategic advisors. She believes AI can free up time for finance professionals, but attention must be paid to how that time is utilized. Additionally, CFOs need to acknowledge varying attitudes toward technology within their teams and carefully select AI use cases to avoid accelerating errors in flawed processes.
OneStream Research: Female CFOs Help Underperforming Companies Achieve Growth
The research report "The Glass Chair: Unlocking the Value of Women in Finance," released by OneStream Software on Wednesday, indicates that appointing female CFOs in underperforming companies leads to an average 10% increase in total shareholder returns. The study also found that female CFOs at Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies drive shareholder value above industry benchmarks, with the healthcare sector seeing the highest outperformance at 4.7%.
Stablecoins are reshaping the cross-border payment landscape: faster, cheaper, and available around the clock
The cross-border payment sector is experiencing a wave of transformation driven by stablecoins. PayPal has begun using its PYUSD stablecoin to settle Xoom cross-border payments, breaking free from the constraints of traditional banking business hours. Consulting firms EY and McKinsey point out that stablecoins enable cheaper remittances, lower transaction costs, and reduced friction. Although traditional cross-border payment networks still dominate, the advantages of stablecoins in real-time settlement, security, and cost are attracting increasing adoption by businesses, particularly in early-adopter areas such as e-commerce, payroll, and merchant services.
Stablecoins Get a Federal Legal 'Green Light' — What's Next for CFOs?
The enactment of the U.S. GENIUS and CLARITY Acts provides a clear federal legal framework for dollar stablecoins and digital asset markets. From the perspective of corporate financial decision-makers, this article analyzes the potential value of stablecoins in retail payments, settlement efficiency, customer relationships, and reserve yields, and compares regulatory differences between the U.S. and Europe to explore the conditions required for large-scale adoption.
PwC acquires Kunai to strengthen CFO technology enablement for banks
PwC announced the acquisition of "substantially all assets" of Kunai, a Bay Area-based fintech consulting firm, to accelerate technology modernization in banking. This move will help CFOs obtain verifiable evidence of results before committing substantial budgets. The transaction amount was not disclosed.